Shop small, read big: a guide to the best small bookstores in LA

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I’m pretty sure we all know how large Los Angeles is. This sprawling city we all live in has so many little treasures in the weirdest places, it’s almost overwhelming. I think that this might be why I (and maybe you too) constantly buy books through Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Barnes and Noble is an amazing store, and I would like to remind you that this article’s purpose is not to trash-talk such a great place to find both rare and popular books (this applies to any other large brands that you may shop at). However, Barnes and Noble is a chain, and I am trying to bring into the light some more overlooked local stores that could be even better than the ones you might be used to.

Read Books

The first bookstore that I would like to highlight is Read Books. This store is right here in Eagle Rock and Eva Jones did an article on it if you want to check it out! Read Books is located at 4972 N Eagle Rock Blvd. and gets 4.5 stars on Yelp. 

Comics vs. Toys

Another amazing store is Comics vs. Toys. I know, it’s comics, not stereotypical books, but they still fall under the same genre so I’m going to include it. Located at 1613 Colorado Blvd. and with 4.7 stars on Yelp, Comics vs Toys is a store that I’ve been going to since I was really little (mainly due to my dad’s love of comics). It has a huge selection of media, from DC graphic novels to 1997 Marvel comics. The store also has a nice selection of toys, but the highlight is probably their expansive comic book collection. One thing that I have always loved about the store is how you can ask them to order any comic you might want if they don’t have it in stock. You can probably do this at other comic book stores, but they can usually get it done within a week and will email you once it has arrived. The store might be small, but Comics vs Toys has a comfortable atmosphere and a great selection of comics, so I definitely recommend popping over for a look. 

Once Upon A Bookstore

Opened in 1966 on 2207 Honolulu Ave, Montrose CA, Once Upon A Bookstore is practically out of a storybook. It may have an unassuming exterior but the inside is amazing. Once Upon A Bookstore has a charming look about it, the kid’s section is especially colorful. It gets a 4.6 on Yelp and identifies as a women-owned bookstore on Google Maps, which is pretty cool. Honestly, I think that the best part of the store is the children’s section, they have a great selection of books for all types of kids and I know that next time I need to buy a gift for a young child, I’ll be heading to Once Upon A Bookstore. 

Skylight Books

Skylight Books is probably my favorite bookstore out of all of the ones I have covered so far. It was opened on November 1, 1996 on 1818 N Vermont Ave, LA and has been attracting book lovers of all sorts since. With 4.5 stars on Yelp and its calm, homey atmosphere, this bookstore is a great place to hang out after school, on break, or simply on one of those rare cold afternoons. It’s known for its expansive selection of books, spanning many genres but also for its huge ficus tree, smack in the middle of the store. They also have a nice collection of stationary and similar supplies. Skylight Books is loved by many of my personal friends and family so you should definitely check it out!